Virgil van Dijk has been speaking ahead of facing Manchester City this weekend, with the Liverpool skipper outlining the "bare minimum" he demands from all of his teammates
Virgil van Dijk during a Liverpool training session
Virgil van Dijk during a Liverpool training session(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up on his leadership position at Anfield and how he wants to leave behind a legacy for future generations.
Van Dijk is only under contract on Merseyside until the end of the current season, but it won't be long before the clamor from fans for him to sign an extension begins to ramp up.
The Dutchman, who recently decided to continue playing for the Netherlands until the next major international tournament in 2028, remains a key man for Andoni Iraola. He will start again this weekend in the huge clash against Manchester City.
"The bare minimum is hard work, never give up, and be a good human being," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
"You have to turn up regardless because when the first minute goes until the final minute, you have to give everything to this badge. It's a privilege, it’s such a good thing and also before you know it, it's gone."
Van Dijk spoke about how his role as captain has changed, with players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner having moved on. In the summer, he also saw Andy Robertson depart.
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Virgil van Dijk has won two Premier League titles at Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk has won two Premier League titles at Liverpool(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
And when it was put to Van Dijk that he is not an emotional character, the Liverpool defender laughed off the suggestion.
"You’re going to see it, though, in the future, eventually, when I have to walk out of the club, and it will be a very emotional day," Van Dijk added.
"It’s been an incredible journey. I think that's the biggest achievement you can do, to leave a legacy behind that inspired other kids. How amazing is it when a young kid says 'I want to be like Virgil van Dijk.' Like I was when I was young, I wanted to be like Ronaldinho.
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"He inspired me, and I think so many players from my generation, and I think that's special.
"When I hear defenders that playing at a high level now saying that they look up to me, those are special moments and something I really appreciate a lot."
Van Dijk played all four games for the Netherlands during the international break. Liverpool has nine games before the November internationals as the schedule ramps up.
Liverpool.com says: Van Dijk penning an extension before the season ends appears to make sense. If he can be convinced to extend for a year, that should work for all parties.